FAQ

PACKAGING

Clay is not more fragile in breaking than glass, which is a common packaging material in cosmetics. Many interior refill hand soap dispensers are also made out of clay which should give you an idea of what it may be like. If nevertheless your Oquist packaging would break we will send you a new one.

Terracotta is not heavier than glass, actually less heavy since the porous nature of the material (which also helps it break down faster than glass in nature). An empty 6-in-1 Anti Aging Serum weights 100 grams.

Isn't clay very fragile? What if it breaks?

Is the packaging heavy?

How do I get the liquid products out of the packaging?

With each product comes an instruction which also can be found on the product pages on our website. Using the packaging may feel a bit unusual at first but one gets used to it quickly. The consistency of our liquid products is specially designed to work with the packaging. Pumps may be a more convenient way of dispensing liquid, but always comes with toxic and carbon intense plastic and/or aluminum.

Can I put the packaging in my dishwasher after the product is finished?

Yes, you can put it in your dishwasher, but we recommend hand washing if this is something you will do often. Simply remove the caoutchouc stoppers and wash the insides with regular dishwasher soap.

What if I don't want to reuse/repurpose the packaging, how do I properly dispose of it?

Remove the caoutchouc stoppers and sort as per local regulations (they may differ in different countries). In the Nordic countries terracotta is turned into construction material since it is basically pieces if earth/rocks. We would also love to know why you wouldn't want to repurpose the packaging so that we can improve the design. Feel free to send us a message at hello@oquistcosmetics.com.

Most countries doesn't have sophisticated recycling management, so it was very important to us that our packaging material wouldn't do any harm if it ended up in nature or landfills (which are also part of nature, really). Terracotta clay doesn't contain or release any chemicals since it is mud coming from earth herself. With time it will break down into small rocks and unite itself with earth again.

Decomposition is a process that happens to organic things such as wood or cotton. Clay is the product of geological processes causing chemical and physical weathering of igneous rock. When it is heated it becomes a rock again. This is similar to the natural geological cycle, whereby small rocks are formed and melts together again in the mantle layer inside the planet. Since terracotta clay is more porous than porcelain and glass it breaks into small rocks/sand faster. This is why old terracotta is often used as part of construction materials.

What happens if I the packaging ends up in nature?

Is terracotta clay decomposable/biodegradable?

If clay is becomes rocks and dust, why have we found ancient clay pottery?

For the same reason we have found dinosaur skeletons (which actually are organic materials) that are 60 million years old. The conditions under which something is stored in the earth plays a major role in how long it will take for it to break down geologically or organically. We have certainly not found all the pottery and dinosaurs that has ever lived on Earth, most of them have indeed become rocks and dust as part of natural organic and geological processes. Terracotta clay breaks down faster than other clays thanks to its porous nature and unlike glass, does not present danger to wildlife when broken into pieces

What are the stoppers made out of and how are they sustainable?

The stoppers are caoutchouc or natural rubber made out of the rubber tree - Hevea Brasiliensis (unlike synthetic rubber that is made out of petroleum/fossil oil). Rubber can be recycled and made into new rubber materials such as shoes, mats, mulch, different surfaces, construction materials etc

While many common oils and butters are indeed comedogenic (i.e. pore clogging), there are also those that are non-comedogenic. In fact non-comedogenic oils help clarifying the pores. Oquist's face products are made out of non-comedogenic ingredients that are suitable for all skin types, including acne prone skin.

Since our product strategy is multifunctionality it also means the products are developed to suit all skin types. When it comes to the skin of the face the 6-in-1 Anti Aging Serum suits all skin types, from young to mature, from dry to acne prone and sensitive skin. They are all free from preservatives and skin irritants and suit even the most delicate skin. The formulas are non-comedogenic and won't clog pores. We don't believe in creating different products just to sell more units. Instead we believe in potent formulas so that the same product can be used by the whole family.

I have oily skin and my dermatologist says oil/butter based products will clog my pores?

Which skin types are the different products made for?

I have dry skin and I am afraid the products will not be hydrating enough since they don't contain any water

A common misconception is that hydration comes from the water in water based creams. The fact is that hydration of the skin comes from water molecules in the air and from the water we drink and eat. It is then up to our skin barrier to keep this water balance. A disrupted skin barrier function is what leads to dryness of skin (and many other skin problems), so the priority should be getting your skin barrier and skin microbiome functioning again. Oquist's products are designed to nourish your skin barrier function while also giving it an immediate feeling of hydration.

SKIN AND THE FORMULAS

Yes, no animals or animal byproducts are used in the formulas. Also neither we nor or our suppliers tests on animals

Are the products vegan and cruelty free?

Yes, our Tocopherol is derived from sea buckthorn.

Are the products gluten and soy free?

They don't last less than regular water based products, thanks to the absence of water. Bacteria and mold needs water to grow. Although our products may last for several years we recommend using them within 2 years and 6 months from the date when the packaging was first opened.

How long do the products last, given they do not contain preservatives?

Oquist's products are 100% preservative free which decreases the risk for irritation/reaction. The formulas are also free from other common irritants such as Alcohol, Perfume, SLS, PEG etc. However, if your have individual sensitivity to specific ingredients, please check the ingredient lists before use

I have sensitive/reactive skin, which products should I avoid?

We would still recommend the 6-in-1 Anti Aging Serum. The name is "Anti Age" because this is unfortunately the solution most consumers are looking for. This doesn't mean that the product consists of any harmful ingredients for young skin. Compared to pure retinol (which is used both for wrinkle control as well as teenage acne) the ingredients in the Serum are less intense and will not harm young skin in any way. If you have very dry skin the 4-in-1 Body Cream could be a good compliment. Treating young skin without preservatives and other irritants will prolong the long-term juvenility of the skin.

I am in my 20ies and don't need anti aging products yet, which face product would suit my skin?

We source our ingredients from well-known European natural ingredients suppliers. Ingredients that can be grown in non-tropical environments (such as sunflower seed oil, olive oil, apricot oil etc) are mainly grown in the EU (which ingredients we prefer, to avoid unnecassary CO2 emissions), while more exotic ingredients such as Shea Butter are responsibly sourced from Africa. We always make sure our suppliers have solid sustainability strategies, audits (for the plantations), and are certified in several organic, vegan and sustainability related categories.

Our sourcing strategy is based on three main principles:
1. Quality
2. Sustainable and responsible raw material production
3. Using waste products when possible

Where do you source your ingredients from?

Do you have a responsible sourcing strategy?

Where are the products made?

The products and concept are developed in Sweden. The packaging is sourced and produced in EU Riga, Latvia. The formulas are developed and blended in the EU Riga, Latvia.

SOURCING & PRODUCTION

Some of our ingredients are Fair Trade such as Shea Butter and Coconut but most of our ingredients are grown in areas where living standards are too high for such initiatives.

Are your products Fair Trade?

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